A BODY has been found during the search for a student who went missing from the University of Reading.

Daniel Williams vanished after a night out on the Whiteknights Campus in the early hours of Thursday.

Formal identification is yet to take place, but the family has been informed of the development. 

Superintendent Stan Gilmour, Local Policing Area Commander for Reading, said: “Tragically officers searching for Daniel have located a body.

"While the identity of the person who died is yet to be established, we have informed Daniel’s family and are providing support to them.

“Please could I make an appeal to respect the privacy of Daniel’s family at what must be a deeply difficult time for them.”

The death is currently being treated as unexplained but is not believed to be suspicious.

A university spokesman added: "Very sadly, Thames Valley Police have announced that they have found a body in the lake on the Whiteknights campus.

"A formal identification has not taken place yet, and we will keep you updated as soon as further information is available.

"Police have been searching the campus and nearby areas for Daniel Williams, a second-year Computer Science student who has been missing since Thursday morning.

"The police have informed Daniel's family of this development and we are providing support to Daniel's close friends.

"University activities will continue today but please be respectful at this difficult time."